MEET THE TEAM

Madeline Podaras brings an expertise in sports biomechanics and athletic performance to Biomechanics in Motion. With an MS in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University and a focus in Sports Biomechanics, Madeline uses science-backed methods to build strong movement foundations and improve athletic mechanics while prioritizing injury prevention. Through her experience working in motion capture labs, she has developed innovative techniques to enhance athletic performance across various disciplines.

Currently, she serves as a Clinical Specialist Engineer for the Chiefs of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at LIJ Medical Center, where she uses motion capture technology to improve surgical outcomes for children. In addition to her engineering credentials, Madeline is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and an OrangeTheory Fitness Coach, blending her technical knowledge with hands-on coaching experience to help athletes of all levels achieve their goals. She published a paper in the academic journal, Frontiers in Public Health, for her research on the neurological benefits of High Intensity Interval Training.

Madeline has competed in elite athletics through her collegiate years. Her dedication is evident in her own athletic accomplishments as an all-county athlete, two-time MVP, team captain, and NCAA Division I recruit.

Madeline’s unique combination of academic training, clinical practice, and practical coaching ensures that athletes at Biomechanics in Motion benefit from cutting-edge methods to train efficient energy transfer, improve performance, and reduce injury risks.

Straton Podaras brings expertise in elite-level athletics and professional baseball to Biomechanics in Motion. With three seasons in the Los Angeles Angels organization and extensive coaching experience, Straton develops strong baseball fundamentals while refining and enhancing existing skills to elevate competitive athletes.  

A standout at Chaminade High School, Straton was a three-time NSCHSAA All-League selection and named the 2014 Catholic League Catcher of the Year as a sophomore. In 2016, he captained the Chaminade baseball team, was ranked the top catcher in New York by Baseball Player Report, earned 1st Team All-New York honors from Newsday, and received the CatcherMtrx Catcher of the Year award.  
Straton continued his career as a four-year starting catcher at Division I Radford University, where he earned 1st Team All-Big South Conference honors. In both 2020 and 2021, he led all of college baseball in runners caught stealing and was a semi-finalist for the Buster Posey Award, recognizing the top catcher in Division I baseball.  

Following his collegiate success, Straton signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Angels, where he spent three seasons as a catcher, infielder, and pitcher.  

After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching at Long Island University, contributing to a successful season in which LIU won the NEC Championship and advanced to the UNC Chapel Hill Regional.  
Currently, Straton is a coach at Chaminade High School and oversees baseball operations for Biomechanics in Motion. At Biomechanics in Motion, he bridges biomechanical movement training with real-game situational development. Actively involved in every aspect of the company, Straton is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential—not just in baseball, but in any sport they choose to pursue.

Founder

Coaching Career

Assistant Coach & Offensive Coordinator at Farmingdale State College (2022-Present)

2024 & 2025 Skyline Conference Champions

2024 & 2025 NCAA Tournament Appearance

Blatant National Assistant Director and Coach 

Assistant Coach for Rebels 2035 Stallions

Head Coach for Manhasset 2035 PAL

Playing Career

Farmingdale State College (2021-2022)

2x All American Honorable Mention 

1st All American in school history

2x Team Captain

2x Skyline Offensive Player of the Year

2x 1st Team All Skyline

2x 1st Team All ECAC

North/South Senior All Star Game (4g,1a in game)

151 Career Points (97g, 54a)

#22 Retired

FSC Lacrosse Ring of Honor

Cortland State (2018-2020)

2x All American Honorable Mention

2x 1st Team All SUNYAC

2x SUNYAC All Tournament Team

2x 1st Team IMLCA All-East

SUNYAC Champion (2018 & 2019)

SUNYAC All Decade Team (2020)

151 Career points (120g, 31a)

13th all time in career goals in just 40 games

New York Lizards

Drafted by the NY Lizards as the 37th pick in the 2020 MLL Collegiate Draft